Defensive end Trey Hendrickson is preparing to leave the Cincinnati Bengals as the team chose not to use the franchise tag before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline. This decision allows the former All-Pro edge rusher to explore opportunities with other teams when free agency begins next week.
Hendrickson shared a farewell message to Cincinnati following the deadline, expressing his gratitude to the team, coaches, and supporters.
“To the organisation: Thank you for the opportunity to play the game I love at the highest level,” he wrote. “The last five years have been filled with great wins and tough losses. Personal achievements and humbling adversities. I was and always will be proud to have worn the Cincinnati Bengals logo and honour the history behind it.”
Bengals’ Tag and Trade Considerations
The Bengals had considered using the franchise tag on Hendrickson to potentially acquire draft capital. However, Duke Tobin, the Bengals’ director of player personnel, pointed out the complexities of tagging a player with the intention of trading them. “All trades are difficult,” Tobin told reporters on Feb. 24. “You have to find a partner. you have to have cooperation with your players. Trades can be complicated.”
Had the Bengals used the franchise tag and Hendrickson signed it before it was rescinded, it would have cost the team $30.2 million against next season’s cap.
Failed Trade Last Offseason
The Bengals granted Hendrickson permission to explore potential trades last offseason as he neared the end of his contract. Hendrickson was coming off an All-Pro season where he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks. However, a deal never materialised.
Hendrickson then missed all of the team’s offseason workouts and held out at the start of training camp. The Bengals resolved the situation by increasing his salary to $29 million. Cincinnati faces a $6.5 million dead money charge against the salary cap because of last season’s raise.
An injury prevented Hendrickson from replicating his previous production. He participated in only seven games and was placed on injured reserve in December after undergoing surgery to repair a core muscle injury.
Hendrickson’s Impact in Cincinnati
The Bengals’ decision not to use the tag on Hendrickson marks the end of his time with the team, after arriving as one of their best free agent signings. In 2021, Hendrickson agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract. Hendrickson made the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons with the team and has been one of the league’s most productive edge rushers since 2021.
- He ranks second in the NFL in pressure rate (13.2%).
- Fourth in total sacks (61).
- Fourth in sacks that result in fumbles (11).
Last season, the Bengals were 6-11 following a midseason injury to their star quarterback.